Fire Safety Regulations And Measures For Shipping Containers
Shipping containers are imposing steel structures built to ride out rough seas and prevail against unpredictable weather conditions. But are they fireproof? Ever considered the fact if containers are fire-resistant enough to protect your precious cargo?
Forged out of sturdy, high-grade steel, the shipping container is the best for storing and transporting cargo on land and water. Later on, those that are deemed unfit for traversing the seas are given a second chance to extend their lifespan as offices, homes, cabins, shops, dormitories, etc.
Whatever their avatar is, how efficiently do containers measure up to fire? Can they protect the cargo? Are they good enough as a fire containment system?
Fire Hazards on Shipping Containers
Intermodal shipping containers are vulnerable to fire accidents especially when they are used for storing and transporting flammable objects or materials like:
- Fireworks
- Storing flammable gases and liquids at construction sites.
- First aid supplies like antiseptic alcohol and oxygen cylinders.
- When used to store hunting ammunition.
- If the container is used as a temporary kitchen as it has fuel or cooking gas.
- Electrical goods.
The slightest carelessness can manifest itself in the form of a tiny, inconspicuous leak that can build into a massive untamable fire on the vehicle carrying the container. Even when the container serves another purpose, it is vulnerable if the safety measures are flouted.
Mitigation Processes And Strategies For Fire Prevention
Shipping containers need foolproof strategies that will make them less vulnerable to fire. A ship that’s traveling right in the middle of the ocean cannot afford a fire accident.
To mitigate such highly risky situations, there are key procedures and strategies that are in place:
Regulations:
- Regulation of the purpose of use of the container.
- Regulation of cargo that goes into it.
- Analysis of fire risks associated with the container.
Weakening process
This procedure is the purposeful weakening of the container to prevent pressure from building up inside. This is just the opposite of what the container is built for. The containers are supposed to withstand all forces. But it is this very strength that makes
the container vulnerable when it is carrying flammable material.
Containers are weakened by:
- Installing explosion relief panels
- Replacing doors with light-weight walls
- Installing windows on the sides.
- Installing small vents on the top and bottom.
Ventilation:
Ample ventilation also allows us to keep an eye of the interior of the container. A fire or smoke can go undetected for a long time. The provision of top and bottom level openings is crucial to supervise the safe transit of the flammable cargo.
Can Containers Survive In A Fire?
Let’s imagine this scenario: A closed container catches fire from within and it is stacked aboard a container ship with thousands of other containers. What can the outcome be? Unless the container explodes, the fire will most likely self-extinguish because of the limited oxygen inside the container.
But can the same be said of containers that are used as homes, offices or cabins? Definitely not. If the containers do not have enough ventilation, the people dwelling in them can choke on the smoke. This can be fatal.
The best thing is that containers are being used by firefighters for mock drills and other training purposes because basically they are fire-proof.
Stacked one on top of the other, containers become the perfect practice area. Firefighters use the limited space and lighting to practice putting out fires in the dark and rescue missions in low visibility.
SuperTech Industries, the top shipping container manufacturer in Dubai, offers you design-driven, and cost-effective containers and container conversion solutions and installations. With several ongoing projects in Dubai, SuperTech takes care of everything, right from the installation to the approval and construction of your container homes.
To make your shipping container dreams a reality, call us at +971 50 29 22 456.
The Concluding Upshot
Fires can be prevented. As in the case of shipping containers, they have to be prevented. To do that, there are several measures that can be done:
- Be knowledgeable about the flammable materials that the container will carry.
- Know about the different levels of flammability for different fuels.
- It is important to regulate the temperature inside the container because warmer temperatures instigate higher pressure.
- Regulating the materials that are stored in the container.
- Devising operating procedures and strategies for the fire personnel to deal with any mishaps.
- Modifying containers to make them more fireproof.
For all your queries regarding fire safety norms of shipping containers, SuperTech’s team is ready to provide you with answers. SuperTech has dominated the shipping container industry and container conversions both in the Middle East and the UAE. Dial +971 50 29 22 456 to talk to our experts!
Why go for the conventional home when we can help you construct your dream home from modified containers? Sounds interesting? Call us if you want to know more!
